Clear signs: poor accessibility,insensitivity,problems with disability certificates persist

Another year gone by without any difference made for the physically and mentally challenged. As we observe the International Day of the Disabled on December 3...

Another year gone by without any difference made for the physically and mentally challenged. As we observe the International Day of the Disabled on December 3,issues like poor accessibility to public places or buildings,issuance of disability certificates,transportation and lack of compassion continue to persist.

In order to be heard,a group of special institutions like Khushboo Welfare Society (KWS) and Vishwas Kendra along with public school children,lawyers,and others,marched to the office of the Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner and handed him a memorandum.

Before anything,a physically challenged person wants a little sensitivity from society, said Neelam Jolly,chairperson of Vishwas Kendra,a school for children with special needs and those belonging to the economically weaker sections,adding that facilities like a psychiatrist who can conduct IQ tests and issue disability certificates are absent at the district hospital.

Geeta Chaturvedi,director,KWS,an institute for special children,said Haryana has no provision for transport concession. Only persons who are visually impaired or those with 100 per cent disability can avail of this concession. The concession should be extended to an escort and persons with disabilities like autism,cerebral palsy and mental retardation, said Chaturvedi.

Gurgaon DC,Rajender Kataria,promised he would make sure that the needs of the disabled are understood. We will constitute a committee comprising officials concerned and members of disabled groups and NGOs to look into their demands and hold meetings on a regular basis, said Kataria.

When asked if there was a deadline for his plans,he said they will be executed soon.

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